When I were a lad..

[crimdon]

NorthEast very near Durham, an old mining village.

Bowburn or the other side?

[Ken Dodd]

coalman

My cousin works at a local 'Coal Merchant' as they are now called. As is the nature of the business in these modern times, they have a very wide delivery area.

You would be surprised at the number of people who still get or qualify for concessionary coal or take the cash alternative - especially in my area. It used to be about 10 bags per month, for 10 months of the year. It is paid to ex-miners and their widows ('ex' meaning redundant or retired.)

the estate my house is on, is on the site of an old colliery. Of the 15 or so houses in the row of terraced at the side of my garden - which are ex 'pit' houses - at least 5 burn coke. I suppose 'free' heating outweighs the inconvenience.